Bullying and harassment can cause humiliation, isolation, loss of confidence and serious harm to mental health and wellbeing in both the short-term and longer-term. A range of support and advice services are available to members of the LSBU community who have experienced, witnessed or been accused of bullying, harassment or sexual harassment.
For urgent help or support, staff are strongly advised to contact emergency services (by dialling 999) in the first instance.
LSBU Internal Support
Dignity at Work Advisers
Dignity at Work Advisers are a network of trained volunteers who are there to support you if you feel you are not being treated with dignity or respect. They can listen, talk through options available, and signpost to additional support. Their contact details are on Connect.
HR Business Partners and HR Advisors
Our HR Business Partners and HR Advisors are responsible for providing guidance whilst ensuring that we follow best practice in line with our policies and legal requirements. They provide advice to managers and can put colleagues in touch with other support networks within LSBU including Mental Health First Aiders and Dignity at Work Advisers. There contact details are on Connect.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Team
Our EDI team are also able to provide guidance to managers and staff and can be contacted by emailing edi@lsbu.ac.uk. The team have oversight of the various support arrangements we have in place for managers and staff.
Employee Assistance Programme
Spectrum Life is our Employee Assistance Programme and provides a comprehensive confidential service to support your health and wellbeing, including counselling, legal and financial advice, provided by clinical qualified, accredited and registered counsellors and psychotherapists. They can be contacted 24/7 hours a day, 365 days a year via telephone (0808 196 2016), WhatsApp (0044 74 1836 0780) or their EAP App.
Staff Networks
We are host to several staff-led networks who provide a sense of community and belonging for marginalised or minority staff, and a key source of consultation input for our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work. Details of our Staff Networks and how to contact them can be found on Connect.
Trade Unions
LSBU has three recognised Trade Unions (Unison, UCU and GMB) who can provide support to their members, including going with them to grievance and disciplinary meetings. Further details about LSBU’s unions and local reps are on Connect.
Multi Faith Team Support
Our multi faith chaplaincy is available to both staff and students and can be contacted by emailing multifaithsupport@lsbu.ac.uk or dropping by the Multi-Faith Room (LH-017 in the basement of The Hub at the Southwark campus).
Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs)
MHFAs are trained in recognising the signs and symptoms of a range of mental ill health conditions. We have staff trained as MHFAs who volunteer their time to hold supportive Page 14 of 15 conversations, provide signposting to appropriate services, and help to foster a culture of support and inclusivity for staff experiencing mental distress. Details of how to contact them can be found on Connect.
TogetherAll
Togetherall is our digital wellbeing platform and its free and anonymous for staff to use. It includes a space to talk about your mental health that is monitored by trained mental health professionals and offers short wellbeing courses too. For a free account, click this link and use LSBU email to sign up.
Counselling / therapy
In addition to our EAP, we sometimes refer to some of our local partners on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the HR Business Partner or Advisor linked to your area for more information.
External support
Hub of Hope: Hub of Hope is a free resource that allows you to find support in your local area. You can also filter depending on the issue you are seeking to address. You can access the Hub of Hope by clicking here.
Hate incidents: Sources of help and support
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support: Able Futures provide a wide range of mental health support services delivered by qualified health care professionals. They will listen to you to understand your difficulties and create an individual plan of support.
The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network: The UK’s largest independent organisation to specialise in working psychologically, informed by an understanding of intersectionality, with people who identify as Black, African, South Asian and Caribbean. More information can be found here.
London Friend: Established in 1972 London Friend is the UK’s oldest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans charity. Offering counselling services and general wellbeing support to members of the LGBTQ+ community. More information can be found here.
Scope: Scope is a disability equality charity and offers various means of support including an online community, a telephone helpline and family services support. You can find out more information here.
Safeline: Safeline is an organisation that offers support services to those who have experienced sexual violence. This includes counselling and therapy and advocacy for women, men and children who have experienced sexual violence. More information can be found here.
Carers’ Hub Lambeth: A local support hub for carers offering one to one support services and action planning. For more information, click here. For support services further afield, click here to find a support service local to you via The Carers Trust.
Mind: A Mental health charity specialising in information, support and advice including mental health support at work.
ACAS: The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service gives free, impartial advice on workplace related issues.
Citizens Advice: Citizens Advice offers a range of articles giving advice on aspects such as work and family.
National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPC)
National Domestic Violence helpline and support - 0808 2000 247
Victim Support – advice and support for victims of crime including a free helpline 0808168911
Stop Hate UK - provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties.
Suicide Support
- Samaritans are open 24/7 for emotional support if you need to talk.
- Mind's helplines provide information and support by phone and email.
- Local Minds offer face-to-face services across England and Wales. These services include talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.
- Side by Side is our supportive online community for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
- CALM (Campaign against living miserably)
- NHS help on suicide
- The Support after Suicide Partnership’s website has information and resources on bereavement after suicide.
- Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) is a national charity providing dedicated support to adults who have been bereaved by suicide.
- Winston’s Wish is the UK’s childhood bereavement charity, supporting children and their families after the death of a parent or sibling.
- At a Loss can signpost you to local support groups and services, including those that specialise in support after suicide.
Sexual Violence Support
- If you need medical advice or support, you can visit your GP – in an emergency you can call 999, or visit your nearest Accident & Emergency Department. There is more health information on the Rape Crisis website.
- The Havens Sexual Assault Referral Centre offers 24/7 advice, urgent appointments and offers a range of support including medical tests, forensic examinations and counselling. Their helpline, 020 3299 6900, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Survivors Gateway - London hub helping survivors of sexual violence to access specialist services
- You can access confidential support from an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA). ISVAs are independent from the police, and can provide practical and emotional support, helping you to make informed decisions that feel right for you. You can refer for support via Survivors Gateway or Rape Crisis
Support for Women and Girls
- The Women and Girls Network’s Sexual Violence Helpline for Women and girls in London
- The National Rape Crisis Helpline
Support for LBGT+
- Galop - London LGBT+ Advice Line and National LGBT+ Domestic Violence Helpline
Support for male survivors
- SurvivorsUK web chat for male survivors who want to explore their experiences online.
- SafeLine for male survivors who want to discuss their experiences on the phone.
- www.1in6.uk - resources for men affected by unwanted sexual experiences